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The Increase in Theft and Robberies in São Paulo Rose 28%, and According to Reports, the Thieves Have Preferred Car Models to Steal. Therefore, Care for Your Vehicle, If It Is on the List, Must Be Doubled.
The city of São Paulo and its metropolitan area have been the stage for an alarming increase in vehicle thefts and robberies. A recent survey conducted by the vehicle tracking company Ituran, based on data from the Public Safety Secretariat of the São Paulo Government, revealed which cars are the most targeted by criminals in the São Paulo capital and surrounding areas.
Models Like the Renault Sandero and Fiat Argo Enter the List of the Most Targeted
Volkswagen Gol Leads the List of Most Stolen Cars
According to the study, the Volkswagen Gol stands out as the most stolen vehicle in the region.
With a 20% increase in incidents compared to the previous year, rising from 2,111 notifications to 2,541.
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With an ‘unbreakable’ engine that runs 300,000 km, 14 km/l fuel economy, and cheap maintenance, the Volkswagen car remains number 1 among used vehicles, leaving Onix and HB20 far behind in the April 2026 ranking.
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Spotted on BYD’s configurator, the Atto 8 2026 appears before its official launch for R$ 399,990 and promises to arrive in Brazil in March with 488 hp, seven seats, and up to 111 km of electric range.
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End of the wet belt? A new engine kit allows replacing the belt with a chain and promises to prevent a failure that can seize the Peugeot and Citroën 1.2 PureTech engine after critical wear that clogs the oil pump.
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BYD changes the warranty for electric and hybrid cars in Brazil, creates a new mileage limit for 2026/2027 models, alters battery rules, modifies commercial use coverage, and makes drivers look at the manual with new eyes before buying.
The Chevrolet Onix appears right behind, maintaining a similar average of 2,389 incidents.
While the Fiat Uno recorded a 23% increase, going from 1,891 to 2,331.
The Chevrolet Corsa saw a 37% growth, rising from 1,534 to 2,098.
Cars Over 5 Years Old Are the Main Targets of Criminals
Among the surprises of the survey, the Renault Sandero stands out, which rose from 15th place in 2022 to the top 10 of the most stolen and robbed cars in 2023.
The Fiat Argo also caught attention, with an impressive leap of 91% in incidents, rising from 819 to 1,562 units.
The study reveals that vehicles over 5 years old are the most targeted by criminals, with over 30,000 reports of thefts and robberies.
Theft is the predominant mode, representing 86% of occurrences.
What Are the Neighborhoods and Cities with High Theft Rates?
In São Paulo, the neighborhoods most favored by criminals for the practice of these crimes are Tatuapé, Ipiranga, Vila Matilde, Itaquera, and Vila Prudente.
In the metropolitan area, cities like Santo André, Guarulhos, and Osasco also show high rates of vehicle thefts.
Given these concerning numbers, it is essential that vehicle owners adopt additional security measures, such as using trackers and alarms, to protect their cars.
Moreover, it is important to be aware of the most susceptible places to thefts and robberies in order to take additional precautions when parking their vehicles in these high-risk areas.
Check Out the List of the 10 Most Stolen Car Models in São Paulo
- 1st Volkswagen Gol (2,541);
- 2nd Chevrolet Onix (2,389);
- 3rd Fiat Uno (2,331);
- 4th Chevrolet Corsa (2,098);
- 5th Hyundai HB20 (2,056);
- 6th Ford Ka (1,982);
- 7th Fiat Palio (1,754);
- 8th Fiat Argo (1,562);
- 9th Volkswagen Fox (1,380);
- 10th Renault Sandero (1,010).
If any of the cars mentioned above is the same model as yours, it is necessary to start taking even more care.
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